We live in a global economy and spread of the coronavirus impacts every aspect of our lives, including our publishing world. The Nelson Literary Agency recently explained how the pandemic is effecting publishing. The repercussions are increasing on a daily basis, as noted by Publishers Weekly as well. Here are the basics.

Then take heart and read the desirable side effects we might also experience in the future.

• Events: The impact on book fairs is changing daily. For instance, on March 3 it was announced the London Book Fair 2020 was still on schedule and the next day (after major participants canceled) it was cancelled. Per Publishers Weekly, the 2020 Bologna Book Fair is also canceled. And events later in the year, like the big rights fair The Beijing Book Fair where 30,000 attend and many book deals are made each year, originally scheduled for August, is in talk of cancelation too. 
• Fewer Contacts/Contracts: Cancellations of book fairs and conventions means less chance for both new writers and those with books already trying to wend through the markets to make contacts in the industry. Meaning less chance to negotiate contracts.
• Remote Workers: Companies are having employees work remotely both in China and now the U.S. to minimize contact. Although remote workers may become the norm in the future, this could upset the routines of the present, meaning an impact on publishing contracts, royalties, and payments.
• Factory Impacts: Much of today's printing for U.S. publishers occurs in China and as their printers, supply chains, and banks remain closed, all publishing will take a big slow down. For while publishers may be able to work remotely from home, printers need to be onsite to run their factories. 

Desirable Side Effects

With more time at home due to fewer public events to attend, people will be reading more! Fiction is the go-to whenever times are troubling, as readers turn to stories for an escape from the news. And this renewed habit will continue after this pandemic is quelled. Meaning readers will be even more anxious to read books once the publishers are back in full swing.

Take this "down time" as a stimulus for you to hone your skills. Keep writing and create even stronger stories that will be ready when our population--and the publishing world--is back on its feet and looking for more books than before.